The Miami Dolphins earned their seventh victory of the season on Sunday, as they beat the Las Vegas Raiders 30-13 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Mike McDaniel’s offense left a lot to be desired, as they didn’t play to their full potential. The defense, on the other hand, looked like the best unit in the game.
As we do after every game, let’s take a look at some of those who deserve credit and some who deserve criticism for their performances against the Raiders.
STUD: CB Jalen Ramsey
Miami’s top cornerback has come back from a meniscus injury and played like an All-Pro.
In this contest, he was targeted seven times, allowing two receptions for 23 yards while recording two interceptions and pass defensed.
He’s been nothing short of incredible.
DUD: Special Teams
Kicker Jason Sanders hasn’t been asked to do much this season, but in this game, he was asked to attempt three field goals. He was two-for-three on his attempts and one-for-two on his kicks from 50+ yards.
This continues to be an issue, but Miami seems to trust him.
Punter Jake Bailey was asked to flip field three times, and while he did a great job with two of the attempts, the other gave Las Vegas the ball around midfield.
In these games, where one mistake can cost the game, special teams coordinator Danny Crossman’s unit could’ve done just that.
STUD: LB Jaelan Phillips
Honestly, the entire Dolphins defense could be listed in the “stud” section, but Phillips was the best in the front seven.
He recorded six total tackles, three quarterback hits, two sacks and an interception.
The former Miami Hurricane is clearly gaining his confidence back, as he has sacks in four straight.
DUD: Ball security
The Dolphins had opportunities to get the offense moving and find the end zone, but they turned the ball over three times.
Tua Tagvoailoa lost a fumble on a scramble for a first down and threw an interception on the first play of the second half. Tight end Julian Hill, who is playing more because of Durham Smythe’s injury, coughed up the ball on his lone target.
Better teams will capitalize on these mistakes.
STUD: WR Tyreek Hill
Despite leaving the game for a bit with a hand injury, Hill was dominant, as usual. He ended the day with 10 receptions for 146 yards and a touchdown on a 38-yard catch and run.
Hill now needs 778 yards to hit his 2,000-yard mark. He’s also getting closer to breaking Dolphins records for receptions, yards and touchdowns.
